CD&V Antwerp sharp after closure of Den Eglantier youth center: “City council leaves young people out in the cold” (Berchem)

Den Eglantier youth center in Berchem announced yesterday that it is closing its doors. A discontinuation of the subsidy meant that the operation was no longer viable. Antwerp party leader for CD&V and member of the Youth Committee in the Flemish Parliament Orry Van de Wauwer does not hide his indignation: “After the cultural sector, young people are now becoming the victims of the policy.”

Antwerp’s Alderman for Youth Jinnih Beels responded yesterday to the news that the well-known youth center in Zillebekelaan in Berchem is closing its doors. “The decision of the Den Eglantier youth center to close their doors soon is a development that we regret. Not only because of the impact on young people, but also because of the joint efforts made to maintain and optimize this youth work.”

Orry Van de Wauwer, who is leading the Antwerp list for CD&V during the next municipal elections, does not agree with this. “The city council is once again leaving young people and youth work out in the cold,” he says. “Last week, the city proudly announced that it will reduce the municipal surcharges on personal income tax because the city coffers are in good hands. Now we hear that there is no budget for supporting a youth center. After the cultural sector, young people and youth work are now becoming the victims of the policy of this city council.”

Antwerp alderman Jinnih Beels said yesterday Gazette of Antwerp that she supported Den Eglantier to submit an application to the Flemish Government to be recognized as a supra-local youth home and regrets that this was not successful. “We are now looking for a different solution, where young people and local residents can go again. We are also investigating the possibility of offering space for volunteer work at the current youth center if they so wish.”

Van de Wauwer also responds sharply here: “This statement is a distraction from one’s own failure. In contrast to Alderman Beels, Flemish CD&V Minister of Youth Benjamin Dalle does take responsibility. While Antwerp is saving on youth policy, Minister Dalle provides 30% additional resources annually for supra-local youth centers. He also recognized two Antwerp organizations – City Pirates and KAVKA – as supra-local youth centers.”